Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese midfielder, Joao Moutinho, looks set to miss the upcoming Premier League fixture against Arsenal, fuelling speculations about his future at the Molineux Stadium.

  • Joao Moutinho, influential Wolves’ midfielder, is likely to miss their forthcoming match against Arsenal amidst exit talks.
  • Moutinho’s contract with Wolves expires this summer, with Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui remaining coy about the player’s future.
  • Other key players such as Diego Costa and Adama Traore also face uncertain futures at Wolves.
Arsenal vs Wolves -Arsenal vs Wolves -
Arsenal vs Wolves –

After being absent from the squad against Everton, Moutinho’s nonappearance against Arsenal has caused ripples amid the Wolve’s fan base. When asked if the decision was Moutinho’s, Wolves’ boss, Julen Lopetegui, cryptically replied, “It’s a good decision for him. That’s one other way to answer you.”

Lopetegui spoke highly of Moutinho, stating, “Joao Moutinho has finished his contract and has had fantastic seasons here. He’s a very, very good player who has had a fantastic career. He is able to continue (playing) because he is fit and works hard every day. He competes very well.”

However, regarding Moutinho’s future with Wolves, Lopetegui chose to remain tight-lipped, saying, “I think it’s better the club or the player confirms his future, not me in a press conference. To respect him and to respect the club, it’s better. That’s all I can say about him.”

Arsenal vs Wolves - WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14:  Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers in action with Declan Rice of West Ham  the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on January 14, 2023 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 14: Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers in action with Declan Rice of West Ham the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on January 14, 2023 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the futures of other key Wolves’ players, including Diego Costa and Adama Traore, remain uncertain as their contracts also run out this summer. Financial Fair Play’s constraints complicate the situation further, as Lopetegui highlighted.

Despite the mounting concerns, Wolves’ head coach expressed his desire for Raul Jimenez to stay with the club next season, stating, “Raul has a contract with us for next year, so for me it’s not his last match with us, he’s our player. I hope he is going to continue with us.”

As Wolves prepare for their trip to the Emirates without Moutinho, the question remains, how will this impact their performance against Arsenal? Negatively, we hope…